The year may be half over but the bulk of major video game releases in 2018 are still on the way post-summer. There's a refreshing mix of highly anticipated new titles coming this fall, like the Arkham inspired Spider-Man that will stand apart from any previous Spidey iterations. And, of course, unique new installments to beloved franchises like Fallout and Life Is Strange.
Many of the games on this list have been promised, at least according to their developers, to bring something new and fresh. Either to the genre as a whole or in terms of previous entries in their respective franchises. Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 will completely revamp the focus of their games by bringing multiplayer to the forefront. While Overkill's The Walking Dead offers a more character-driven zombie experience.
Related: Every Video Game Trailer From E3 2018
With E3 2018 well behind us, confirming various leaks and offering a few new surprise announcements we can finally dig deeper into exploring The Biggest Video Games Releasing Fall 2018.
Destiny 2: Forsaken
- RELEASE DATE: September 4
- PLATFORMS: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
- DEVELOPER: Bungie
- PUBLISHER: Activision
There’s a bit of a catch to the upcoming Destiny 2 DLC: If gamers want to purchase Forsaken, they will be required to already own the previously released DLC, Curse of Osiris and Warmind. While this may seem inconvenient to players, especially financially, it does make sense as the events in the DLC directly correlate to events in the previous DLC. Forsaken will offer an entirely new Destiny 2 experience that pits gamers against each other in a 4v4 battle. Two exclusive locations filled with boss fights and hidden secrets will also be available with the DLC. Oh, and they're already confirming they've killed off Nathan Fillion's Cayde-6 which seems weird.
Insurgency: Sandstorm
- RELEASE DATE: September
- PLATFORMS: PC (next year on PS4 and Xbox One)
- DEVELOPER: New World Interactive
- PUBLISHER: Focus Home Interactive
Insurgency was a fun, albeit punishing tactical shooter where players can't afford to be shot at. At all. The followup, Insurgency: Sandstorm builds on all of the gameplay mechanics that made the original so unique and fun, and makes it look oh so much better. Sandstorm introduces vehicles, and larger maps and new modes to support them, alongside new suite of movement options and animations to traverse the environment in a more immersive way.
Spider-Man
- RELEASE DATE: September 7
- PLATFORMS: PlayStation 4
- DEVELOPER: Insomniac Games
- PUBLISHER: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Many superhero games, especially those featuring Marvel’s beloved Peter Parker, tend to focus on the hero’s origin story. This iteration of Spider-Man promises to pick up in the middle of Spidey’s superhero career … which means he’s struggling to balance adulthood and relationships with saving his city. The game is said to have a unique (by Spider-Man standards) with elements of the Batman Arkham Asylum franchise. Peter Parker will use his Spidey sense to dodge attacks against groups of enemies along with his classic web-slinging skills. The title is intended to be an open-world experience with a brand new story without ties any comic or film iterations of the character. Are you ready to meet the new Sinister Six?
More: Our gameplay impressions of Spider-Man on PS4...
Page 2: New Forza Horizon and Life is Strange Sequels!
Life Is Strange 2
- RELEASE DATE: September 27
- PLATFORMS: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
- DEVELOPER: Dontnod Entertainment
- PUBLISHER: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
The story of a shy girl with the power to rewind time was a surprise hit when it debuted in 2015's Life is Strange. The story was emotional, the characters were relatable, and the dialogue was … well, kind of cringe-worthy but it only added to the game’s charm. Details on the story behind the upcoming second season have not yet been revealed. Fans of the franchise can expect to learn more in August. In the meantime, players can preorder the five episode game or check out the free spinoff, The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit.
FIFA 19
- RELEASE DATE: September 28
- PLATFORMS: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Switch, PC
- DEVELOPER: EA Vancouver
- PUBLISHER: EA Sports
Thanks to EA acquiring the license to portray the European Champions League in FIFA 19, this installment in the franchise will feature an entirely new, stand-alone mode that carries players through the league. EA has promised enhanced gameplay, included improved first-touch mechanics. Changes to the aesthetics of the game also promise a simpler gaming experience, with reticles aiding in defense and changes to avatars making map functions more efficient. Gamers will not only be able to create their ideal team but will have advanced options for control, being able to instruct their players with more specific orders than before.
Forza Horizon 4
- RELEASE DATE: October 2
- PLATFORMS: Xbox One, PC
- DEVELOPER: Playground Games
- PUBLISHER: Microsoft Studios
Similar to many current Battle Royale style games, Forza games change up track conditions and weather conditions based on season, giving players a unique gaming experience. Another special feature setting this franchise apart from many other racing games is its community experience. Rather than racing against AI vehicles, players race against other gamers. Players can customize much of their gaming experience, with options to personalize vehicles, drivers, and tracks being available to gamers. Players can play together or solo and can choose between casual or competitive races. Over 450 vehicles will be featured in Forza 4, along with a new Britain setting.
Page 3: New Assassin's Creed, Call of Duty, and Battlefield Sequels!
Assassin's Creed Odyssey
- RELEASE DATE: October 5
- PLATFORMS: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
- DEVELOPER: Ubisoft
- PUBLISHER: Ubisoft
Nobody was expecting a new Assassin’s Creed offering this year after Ubisoft took a break to slow down development and get it "right" with last year's Origins but a leak revealed this planned title, forcing the studio to reveal their plans for Assassin’s Creed Odyssey just before E3. Odyssey promises to continue down the revamped path set in motion by Assassin’s Creed Origins with a somewhat open world and the updated fight mechanics. This title centers around the player choice, customizable characters, and conversation trees. It is currently unclear where Odyssey lands in the Assassin’s Creed timeline.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4
- RELEASE DATE: October 12
- PLATFORMS: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
- DEVELOPER: Treyarch, Beenox
- PUBLISHER: Activision
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is taking the Call of Duty franchise in a different direction. This title will be putting a mysterious Battle Royale mode called "Blackout" front and center, taking a cue from the franchise’s multiplayer and forgoing a story campaign mode completely. The Zombies co-op mode is bigger than ever though and regular multiplayer is trying to be more tactical like Overwatch and Rainbow Six Siege. In a Screen Rant exclusive, gameplay designer Matt Scronce admitted the campaign mode was maybe not performing as well as the studio would have liked. So, they were not afraid to switch gears and bring the franchise’s multiplayer aspects to the forefront. Black Ops 4's Blackout mode will feature an immense map that is said to be 1,500 times larger than Call of Duty’s most popular multiplayer map, Nuketown. Confusion about DLC pricing, what Blackout actually is, and the dropping of a story has the player base a little confused but we expect to know more soon!
More: Activision Is Earning Negative Buzz With Their Black Ops 4 DLC Plans...
Battlefield V
- RELEASE DATE: October 19
- PLATFORMS: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
- DEVELOPER: EA Dice
- PUBLISHER: Electronic Arts
Like every developer with a shooter franchise, Battlefield V is also planning to offer a Battle Royale mode but not until post-launch. The main game however brings the series back to its World War II roots with even more impressive destruction effects and visuals than ever before. This one debuts the same week as Black Ops 4 but comes with a story campaign alongside a four-player co-op mode that generates objectives and narratives for replayability. Its core multiplayer is headlined by a multi-day (in-game days) Grand Operations mode which introduces paratroopers. Better yet, no DLC expansions or season passes - all new content is free to keep players together.
Page 4: Red Dead Redemtion and Hitman Seqels, and co-op The Walking Dead!
Red Dead Redemption 2
- RELEASE DATE: October 26
- PLATFORMS: PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- DEVELOPER: Rockstar Games
- PUBLISHER: Rockstar Games
There seriously is not a lot of information out there about Red Dead Redemption 2 as of this time. We do know that the game will be a prequel by necessity since Red Dead Redemption ended in such a way that it was either go further back in time or explore a modern, not so Wild West. Gamers will play as a member of the Van der Linde gang, of which the first title’s main character, John Marston was a member. Three trailers have so far been released, but fans of the franchise have been left feeling anxious about the distinct lack of gameplay featured in these trailers. Rockstar has also revealed an online multiplayer feature - something that's been immensely successful for Grand Theft Auto 5 - but has withheld most details beyond the promise that it will not be a Battle Royale “copycat.”
More: Red Dead Redemption 2 Appears to Be Coming to PC Too...
Overkill's The Walking Dead
- RELEASE DATE: November 6
- PLATFORMS: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
- DEVELOPER: Overkill Software
- PUBLISHER: Starbreeze Studios, 505 Games
Gamers grew excited for Overkill’s The Walking Dead after a series of wonderful theatrical trailers were released. Overkill - the minds behind super popular co-op shooter Payday 2 - promises real and emotional character journeys with their take on TWD, another four-player co-op shooter. Players choose from one of four characters each with unique backstories and fighting skills. This allows each character to bring their own specific skill set to the fight against the zombies as each travel through their own story arc. The gameplay looks relatively fast-paced with gamers appropriately teaming up to take out hordes of zombies using their various weapons of choice.
More: Here's your first look at Overkill's The Walking Dead gameplay...
Hitman 2
- RELEASE DATE: November 13
- PLATFORMS: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
- DEVELOPER: IO Interactive
- PUBLISHER: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Hitman 2 has been somewhat of an open secret for quite some time, having had various aspects and clues of the game leaked well before E3 2018. Despite the huge success of the episodic Hitman release, Square Enix parted ways with developer IO Interactive who were able to keep the IP. Hitman 2’s story will take place in the traditional (non-episodic) video game format. However, two long-form DLCs have been announced that may add to the overall story and game experience. A fun and outlandish take on assassination weapons will be present, players will be able to choose from unique items such as frying pans and fish to take out their intended targets.
Page 5: Fallout Goes Multiplayer-only and the biggest Smash Bros ever!
Fallout 76
- RELEASE DATE: November 14
- PLATFORMS: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
- DEVELOPER: Bethesda Game Studios
- PUBLISHER: Bethesda Softworks
Fallout 76 is not what anyone was expecting as the next installment in the beloved post-apocalyptic Bethesda franchise. As a prequel, and the first multiplayer always-online game in the series, Fallout 76 takes place in a somewhat less demolished setting that gamers are used to from this series since Vault 76 is one of the first to open in Fallout lore. While there are still plenty of well-kept secrets surrounding the latest entry to the Fallout franchise, it can certainly be said that Fallout 76 will be bigger and more ambitious than any Fallout that has come before it. It has been officially confirmed that the game will feature a map that is at least four times larger than any other map in the franchise and there will be no AI characters. All "characters" are actually other players, and you can even ... nuke them!
More: Here's How Fallout 76 Will Stop PvP Bullying...
Just Cause 4
- RELEASE DATE: December 4
- PLATFORMS: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
- DEVELOPER: Avalanche Studios
- PUBLISHER: Square Enix
Just Cause 4 wasn’t supposed to be announced last month. But the infamous leak on Walmart Canada’s website led to an early announcement of the game (among many others). Since then, fans of Just Cause have gotten a better look at what to expect. Gamers are being offered an incredibly personalized experience with this sequel, based on the description of gameplay announced at E3 2018. Players will see more destructible objects, more dynamic locations and weather, a more realistic feel as objects react to the player, and the ability to drive essentially every vehicle they stumble across in the game. But... there's no multiplayer again which really hurt Just Cause 3.
More: Everything We Learned About Just Cause 4 At E3 2018...
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- RELEASE DATE: December 7
- PLATFORMS: Nintendo Switch
- DEVELOPER: Bandai Namco Entertainment, HAL Laboratory, Sora Ltd.
- PUBLISHER: Nintendo
The competitive mainstay of all of Nintendo’s titles, esports enthusiasts are surely looking forward to the early December release of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Offering every single character featured across all previous titles in the franchise, plus the introduction of Ridley, this is obviously the game’s biggest roster yet. Some fans of the franchise have surmised that Nintendo has yet to announce all the new characters that will be featured in the game. While there is no proof to this theory just yet, it is a logical one, as Smash Bros. frequently unveils a large number of new characters for each title.